Turmoil Erupts in Odisha Assembly as Opposition Voices Dissent
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Synopsis
The Odisha Assembly's budget session began with significant uproar from opposition parties, primarily the BJD and Congress, protesting against government actions regarding Biju Patnaik's legacy and rising crime rates against women. Speaker Surama Padhy faced challenges maintaining order as both parties voiced their dissent vigorously.
Key Takeaways
- Opposition members from BJD and Congress protested in the Odisha Assembly.
- Protests centered around the disrespect to Biju Patnaik and rising crime against women.
- Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House twice due to disruptions.
- Senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik highlighted the long-standing tradition of celebrating Panchayati Raj Diwas on March 5.
- BJP condemned the opposition's disruptive behavior in the Assembly.
Bhubaneswar, March 7 (NationPress) The second phase of the budget session of the Odisha Assembly began on Friday amidst significant chaos caused by opposition members from the Biju Janata Dal and Congress.
As soon as the House proceedings commenced, several opposition members gathered near Speaker Surama Padhy's podium, engaging in vigorous sloganeering while displaying placards.
The BJD legislators protested against the state government for allegedly disrespecting former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik by shifting Panchayati Raj Diwas from March 5, the birth anniversary of the esteemed Biju Babu, to April 24.
Meanwhile, the Congress party legislators raised concerns regarding the supposed rise in incidents of crime against women in the state.
Speaker Padhy initially adjourned the House until noon due to the uproar from opposition members. However, the House was again adjourned until 4 p.m. as the tumult persisted after the session resumed.
Both Congress and BJD legislators staged a protest under Mahatma Gandhi’s statue within the Assembly grounds, highlighting the increasing occurrences of violence against women and the perceived disrespect towards Biju Patnaik.
Senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik addressed the media, stating, “The Panchayati Raj Diwas has been commemorated annually on Biju Babu's birth anniversary, March 5, since 1993. The current government has also recognized March 5 in the official calendar as a holiday and the date for Panchayati Raj Diwas. Nevertheless, this year, the Panchayati Raj Diwas was neither celebrated on Biju Babu's birth anniversary nor declared a holiday. We vehemently protest the disrespect shown to Biju Babu and the opportunism of the BJP.”
She further stressed that all 4.5 crore residents of Odisha cherish and honor Biju Patnaik, and his contributions to the state will never be forgotten.
The ruling BJP condemned the opposition for disrupting the Assembly proceedings. BJP MLA Irasis Acharya criticized the opposition's behavior, calling it highly unacceptable. “The opposition, without justifiable cause, has continuously disrupted the House, which the people of Odisha will not overlook. The Biju Janata Dal has shown utmost disrespect to Biju Babu,” Acharya remarked.
He accused the BJD, during its 24-year rule, of undermining Odisha's self-esteem and identity while failing to deliver on the promises made to fulfill Biju Babu’s vision.
